Sending insured via USPS - guidance please!

[bluelotus]

I am considering having some repairs done by a bench in LA and I am in Philadelphia. I have been told that the best way is to send via the USPS but I am apprehensive. Looking online it appears that I can only insure for up to $5000. . . am I missing something??

Sounds naive I guess but the thought of sending something so valuable is making me nervous!

 

[denverappraiser]

Use the 'registered mail' service'.

Talk to your jeweler about how they like things to be shipped to them. A lot of them have 3rd party insurance and would prefer to send you a shipping ticket for FedEx or UPS and use their own insurance.

 

[Niel]

I read the hope diamond was shipped USPS. maybe you use your own insurance past 5k? I dunno. But I've also heard its the safest way to ship.

 

[drk14]

Talk to your jeweler about how they like things to be shipped to them. A lot of them have 3rd party insurance and would prefer to send you a shipping ticket for FedEx or UPS and use their own insurance.

If you can't piggy-back on the jeweler's insurance another possible option may be to take the ring to an appraiser and ask them to ship it (using their insurance and shipping channels), which they may be willing to do if you engage their services for appraisal of the piece. I have spoken to Dave Atlas (a Philadelphia-area appraiser) about having my loose diamond appraised, then shipped to a jeweler for setting, and then getting a final appraisal of the ring, and in this context he would be able to handle the shipping for me.

Maybe denverappraiser can comment on any potential pitfalls of this approach (especially if something does go awry in shipping, and a claim must be filed).

 

[Niel]

Ive shipped USPS but it was insured for 4k

 

[kenny]

USPS Registered can be insured up to $25,000 ... but if there is a loss and a claim you must have written proof it was worth what you claim.
That means a receipt supporting the price or a competent appraisal.

Registered moves slowly, though they will try to sell you 'Priority' or 'Express' service.
That's a scam as it's not guaranteed to move any faster.

They have 15 days before you can file a claim so I just expect it to take that long and am happily surprised when it arrives sooner.

My post office requires the box be wrapped in brown paper and all seams must be sealed with that old-fashioned brown paper tape you must apply water to.

 

[drk14]

Confusing to have Niel and Neil in the same thread!

 

[Niel]

I realized.

 

[bluelotus]

I see. I am looking to send the antique ring I recently acquired to Single Stone in LA and will still need to have a complete appraisal prepared before I do so. I'll ask the fellow who took over David Atlas' old space here in Philly if he'd be willing to send it out once it is documented with an appraisal. The folks at Single Stone have apparently never had any issues with the USPS but I was unable to find how I can insure for more than $5000 online. . . perhaps this is only possible in person. . . thank you to all for your timely responses!

 

[drk14]

I'll ask the fellow who took over David Atlas' old space here in Philly if he'd be willing to send it out once it is documented with an appraisal.

You may already be aware, but David Atlas is still in the area, in Horsham, about 20 miles from center city.

 

[bluelotus]

drk14, yes, I am aware that he is nearby but I live in University City and work in Center City so it's easier for me to stay very local.
I did get a chance to meet David in May when I had him look at another stone I purchased and found him to be an affable guy!

 

[WillyDiamond]

You cannot ship Registered by using the online service of USPS. You must physically go down to the post office to mail the package and give it to the postal clerk at the window. Also, as another poster said, you cannot use plastic tape, must use paper wrapping and paper tape. The postal clerk will stamp it all around and will not accept it to ship Registered if it does not comply. You can insure up to $25K, if lost you will need a receipt or appraisal showing the value. Always ship the diamond at full value, even if it costs a few dollars more. Good luck.